New Delhi, Lahore Experiencing Air Pollution At Least 30 Times Safe Levels

Nov 10, 2017

CNN: Breathing in Delhi air equivalent to smoking 44 cigarettes a day
“…[As New Delhi] woke up Friday to a fourth straight day of heavy pollution, practical considerations were being overtaken by more serious concerns, with journalists and doctors warning residents of the long-term health implications…” (Wu, 11/10).

The Guardian: ‘Half my lung cancer patients are non-smokers’: toxic air crisis chokes Delhi
“…The air has heavy metals and other carcinogens at levels more than 30 times World Health Organization limits, conditions likened by medics to smoking at least 50 cigarettes in a day…” (Safi, 11/10).

New York Times: In Lahore, Pakistan, Smog Has Become a ‘Fifth Season’
“…While Delhi’s air quality has generated headlines worldwide in recent days, experts say the air in Lahore rivals the Indian capital’s for toxicity. The problem is not limited to the city; in 2015, according to a World Health Organization estimate, almost 60,000 Pakistanis died from the high level of fine particles in the air, one of the world’s highest death tolls from air pollution…” (Zahra-Malik, 11/10).

Reuters: India to spray capital from on high amid deepening smog emergency
“India plans to spray water over its capital, New Delhi, to combat toxic smog that has triggered a pollution emergency, officials said on Friday, with conditions expected to worsen over the weekend. Illegal crop burning in farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust in a city with limited public transport, and swirling construction dust have caused the crisis, as they do every year…” (Jain, 11/10).